The Magic Bullet
written by Dr. Jimmy Kilimitzoglou, DDS of e.s.i. Healthy Dentistry for Creations Magazine
Ever wonder why some people have dental problems and some simply never do? Everyone is looking for that magic bullet; that special solution; that secret sauce; that panacea; the cure-all. I get asked all the time: there must be a rinse or toothpaste that will cure all my problems at once. Diseases are caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, “germs”. So germs are bad, right? We should look for a natural, strong mouthwash that will kill all germs!!!
What most people do not realize is that we have more bacteria and fungi growing on us and in us than we have human cells. We host more germs on us and in us than there are people on earth! And, for the most part we, and our microscopic “friends” live in perfect harmony. I used to think that there are good bacteria and bad bacteria. In reality, it is all about the balance of bacteria and fungi. That’s what we find in healthy people.
We have all heard of probiotics for our gut and how important it is to have a healthy microbiome. Well, the same is true for our mouths. We can use probiotics, prebiotics, minerals, supplements, foods and drinks that promote alkalinity, reduce inflammation and optimize oral health. I foresee a movement away from antibiotics and antimicrobial rinses or toothpastes that indiscriminately kill all bacteria, even the necessary good ones. How long does it take for the flora to rebound? Oftentimes it can take months if not years for the gastro intestinal tract to regain its natural, healthy microbiome. Most of the “medicines” we may need are found right inside our bodies; within our healthy immune system. All we have to do is support it and harvest it.
The power of natural healing is inside of us. We have undifferentiated stem cells flowing in our cardiovascular system. These are immature cells that do not know what they want to be when they grow up. But if you guide them, harvest them and redirect them to regenerate bone and gum tissue, they will do just that. Take a small amount of the patient’s own blood, spin it down and harvest platelet rich fibrin – a gel-like substance that has all the goodies necessary for accelerated healing. It’s nothing new, has been used for the past two decades and is called guided tissue regeneration.
For our friends with missing teeth or hopeless teeth: Are you a candidate for dental implants? What about Teeth in a Day? “I saw an ad for an implant for $1,599, all inclusive!” When you see a dental professional you seek treatment, not a value pack of titanium bone screws. Bone is a living tissue with blood supply, nerves, collagen and minerals. It takes time for it to heal. This sophisticated treatment takes time. If you break your arm, you are in a cast for a couple of months because bone needs time to heal. As for “teeth in a day,” all stars have to be aligned for that protocol and not everyone is a good candidate. Things to take into consideration: medications, health conditions, autoimmune disorders, bone healing capacity, compromised immune system, soft tissue or skin conditions, diabetes, smoking, malnutrition, poor oral hygiene, alcoholism, and many more.
Success is multifactorial and this is a partnership between patients and providers. It’s about trust and having a shared vision. It’s not just about the fee. It’s about finding the expert that has the training, experience, reputation, technology and philosophy that is right for you.
